Here Comes Carolina

Following its debut appearance at the IDEA07 show in Miami in April, Carolina Nonwovens Corporation (CNC), Lincolnton, NC, was set to launch its inaugural nonwovens line as we went to press with this month’s issue.

The line was being commissioned at a brand new 33,000 square foot facility and was scheduled to come onstream in early May. The state-of-the-art Laroche airlaid system and Strahm oven, supplied by Allertex of America, based in Cornelius, NC, will supply thermal bonded nonwovens to a variety of consumer and industrial markets.

Carolina Nonwovens’ senior vice president John Gearhart said that the IDEA show was a perfect venue for the company to promote its products, which are designed to be lighter, stronger and less expensive than those currently being supplied to the market. “We saw a lot of interest in our capabilities at the show,” he said. “We are definitely satisfied.”

Carolina Nonwovens’ initial investment was $4.2 million and the company expects to hire 15 employees. “This new facility is the culmination of intense market research and product development over the last 18 months,” said Fred Fink, president & CEO. Carolina Nonwovens has assembled an experienced team of industry professionals with more than 60 years of cumulative nonwovens knowledge.

CNC has developed several proprietary products for customers, and will process natural, synthetic and recycled fibers. “The new line will be making nonwovens that go into a broad range of consumer and industrial products, making them lighter, stronger and less expensive,” said Mr. Gearhart.

Jr. Howard, chairman of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, welcomes CNC and their unique manufacturing process, which is expected to continue to diversify Lincoln County’s industrial base. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved an incentive grant in the amount of $64,233 to be paid out over a five-year period of time, $12,846 annually.

Tom Anderson, chairman of the Lincoln County Commissioners, said, “We are pleased that Carolina Nonwovens Corporation has chosen to locate their facility in Lincoln County. We believe they will find Lincoln County to be a very business-friendly environment and wish them success and prosperity. We appreciate the opportunity this new business offers our citizens and the contributions they will make to the health, growth and diversity of our economy.” Rhonda Hunter, director of operations at Lincoln Economic Development Association, added, “Having the available shell building ready to go was crucial in making this deal happen. We wish more private investors would step forward with available product for us to market. As the saying goes, ‘if you build it, they will come.’”

“The Lincolnton Economic Development Association team has been instrumental in attracting Carolina Nonwovens to the area,” concluded Mr. Fink. The CNC management team is excited about locating in Lincolnton with its strong labor pool and convenient access to our customer base.”

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